Green tea is often praised for its potential benefits for blood pressure, but it is not the only drink that may help. Some drinks contain nutrients and natural compounds that are rich in antioxidants or essential minerals. Here are five drinks that could offer even greater blood pressure benefits than your usual cup of green tea.
Orange Juice and Beet Juice
According to the BBC, a meta-analysis found that drinking a glass of orange juice every day for a matter of weeks was enough to lower systolic blood pressure in overweight and obese adults, as well as raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as 'good cholesterol'. Oranges contain hesperidin, a flavonoid linked to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood-pressure benefits, reported EatingWell. Hesperidin may help blood vessels relax by increasing nitric oxide production in the inner lining of blood vessels, known as the endothelium. Having a small glass of orange juice with breakfast or after a workout could be a smart choice for supporting healthy blood pressure.
Beets are rich in dietary nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide to help blood vessels relax and improve blood flow. Research suggests that daily beetroot juice may lower systolic blood pressure in people with hypertension, as mentioned on Eating Well. Drinking as little as 2.5 to 8 ounces of beetroot juice may significantly benefit blood pressure and heart health. Nitrate levels can vary depending on whether you’re using a juice or a concentrate, so opt for pure beetroot juice to get the strongest effect.
Pomegranate Juice and Hibiscus Tea
Payton Brewer, M.S., RD, CPT, spoke to Eating Well and shared that pomegranate is rich in antioxidants, including 'punicalagins and anthocyanins,' which may help keep arteries flexible and inhibit 'angiotensin-converting enzyme activity' linked to blood pressure regulation. One study found regular pomegranate consumption was associated with lower 'systolic and diastolic blood pressure.' Brewer recommends opting for 100% pomegranate juice with no added sugar.
According to Very Well Health, hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure when consumed regularly. Studies suggest that drinking two cups daily can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with research finding an average systolic reduction of about 7mmHg. Hibiscus may also work by helping blood vessels relax and by promoting fluid removal from the body.
Prune Juice
As noted on Eating Well, research specifically linking prune juice to lower blood pressure is limited. However, it does contain nutrients and plant compounds tied to heart health. Prunes are rich in antioxidants, potassium and fibre. Studies show that higher fibre intake is associated with healthier blood pressure and improved cardiovascular outcomes.
